Barbieri in box seat to claim wind-swept Vic Open
Justin Chadwick |
Nathan Barbieri is just one solid round away from claiming his maiden PGA Tour of Australasia title after extending his lead to five shots at the $200,000 men’s Vic Open at 13th Beach.
Barbieri, starting the day with a four-shot lead, posted a two-under 70 in the third round on Saturday, following on from his bogey-free round of 65 on Friday and 69 on Thursday.
The 28-year-old’s steady performance in the third round featured three birdies and only one bogey, taking him to 12-under par for the tournament with just one round to play.
Cameron John and Brendan Jones are equal second at seven-under, while former Australian Open runner-up Curtis Luck (five-under) is outright fourth, one shot ahead of Austin Bautista.
Barbieri has posted eight top-three finishes during his career, including a runner-up display to Andrew Martin this season at the NT PGA Championship.
But he is now in prime position to finally break through for an elusive title, with his ability to stay calm across the opening three rounds despite battling wind gusts of more than 60km/h, proving crucial.
“I just have to stick to my game plan out there. Not change too much,” Barbieri said ahead of Sunday’s date with destiny.
“I’ve been flighting the ball really well. A lot of feel shots and that’s pretty much going to be the case again tomorrow.”
Jones made a fast start to his third round by picking up shots at the first three holes, but then didn’t produce another birdie until the 14th hole.
The 50-year-old made a costly double-bogey on the par-three 17th, with his tee shot flying over the back of the green.
John, the Queensland PGA winner at Nudgee in October, birdied three of his last six holes to stay in contention for a second title in the 2025/26 season just days after returning from the LIV Golf qualifying event in Florida.
Lydia Hall sits at even par and will take a three-shot lead into the final round of the women’s Vic Open.
Jazy Roberts, Kathryn Norris and Kelsey Bennett sit equal second at three-over for the tournament, with Lion Higo the next best at six-over par.
AAP
